As much of the western world prepares for Halloween parties and celebrations on Wednesday, Metropolitan Archbishop Andzej Dzięga of the north-western Szczecin-Kamień dioceses sent a letter to be read out to congregations on Sunday warning against introducing a “world of darkness, including devils, vampires and demons” to school kids in the name of “fun”.

“It is with growing sadness that we see in the last few years a trend of so-called Halloween celebrations growing in Poland. I am particularly concerned about such initiatives [being introduced] in school, where only mature attitudes should shape the social, intellectual and spiritual growth of the younger generation,” writes the archbishop.

“This kind of fun, tempting children like candy, also poses the real possibility of great spiritual damage, even destroying spiritual life,” he adds, warning of the dangers of "irresponsible and anti-Christian fun."

Halloween is also the “promotion of paganism” and a “culture of death” he claims.

American-style Halloween parties have grown in popularity in Poland since the fall of communism and religious figures fear that it is competing with the Roman Catholic All Saints' Day on 1 November, when family’s graves are decorated with wreaths and small lanterns. (pg)